The Wrestling Team ends season respectively placing 34th at the National Collegiate Wresting Association National Tournament, which was held at Hampton University in Virginia recently.
The Rattlers competed against a total of 133 different teams including Yale University, Louisiana State University, Texas A&M University, Ohio State University and Wake Forest University.
The Rattlers brought their all to the mat in order to represent for the only HBCU in the NCWA, but fell short of improving last years ranking.
“For a lot these guys it was their first year ever competing in collegiate wrestling,” said head coach Abdul Sharif.
This season was a stepping stone for the 16 member squad. The young wrestlers have matured, alongside first time head coach and graduate student Abdul Sharif.
“We fought hard and did well for a team of mostly freshmen. Next year we look forward to placing in the top ten,” said assistant coach and captain Curt Mckay.
Matthew Lumpkins, Saunders Hamilton, Joshua Cannon, Dominique Cole, Frewd Meltinord, Ronald Johnson, Brandon Jenning, and Samantha Wong were the players who participated in the NCWA competitions.
The Rattlers did have one wrestler to make All American.
Samantha Wong the only female on the team placed 4th in the NCWA Women’s Division.
“The other girls couldn’t match my aggression. Practicing with the boys really gave me an advantage over my competition,” said Wong 19, nursing student from Fort Lauderdale. “I hope more girls come out and join the team”
The team is eager and ready to take the challenges of the upcoming season.
The Rattlers will continue to practice and train once a week.
The FAMU wrestling team will host a wrestling clinic on July 15, 2009 to allow potential wrestlers to gain experience about collegiate wrestling and current wrestlers to improve their technical skills for the upcoming season.
Men and women interested in joining FAMU Varsity wrestling team can contact the head coach, Abdul Sharif, at Famuwrestling@yahoo.com.